I told my niece I would love to make her a batch of cookies for her birthday, in any flavor she could dream up. A couple days later, she sent me a text message with her choice… White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies. This girl has good taste in cookies.

I used butterscotch chips, nuts, coconut, m&m’s, and of course oats. However, I think they would be fantastic with some raisins or dates, maybe a little orange zest and cinnamon, or peanut butter candies. Honestly, you can just use whatever you like, or whatever you have in your pantry.

This caramel corn is more crunchy than sticky. As it should be. You still get that awesome caramely flavor without the fear of emergency dental work. And, because the Chex cereal tends to hold more caramel than the popcorn, there are actually a few bites that are caramel-free. Or caramel light, I guess.

One of my alternatives to junk-food snacking this season is these Granola Bites. There is still enough sweetness in them to make them really fun and delicious, while packing a protein punch that keeps the cravings at bay. Plus? I love peanut butter. YUM.

My sister-in-law gave me a jar of the most beautiful dark and flavorful plum jelly you’ve ever seen. It’s tart, full of flavor, and frankly, tastes fantastic with these almond Linzers. I debated about parting with it but finally decided the cookies were worth it.

When I was deciding exactly how to make these magical metaphorical pecans, there was really only one choice. Spicy AND Sweet. Well, and toasted, of course, because toasted nuts are obviously the very high-end best.

But you know what makes me completely happy and relaxed when I’m homicidal not happy? The smell of almond extract. It’s quite literally the most amazing smell ever. I mean, you can talk about your fresh cut grass, or pine forest, or ocean breeze, or even apple pie, but none of them can even compete with almond extract. *deep inhale*

I just heard my kid say the words, “We’ve got to get mom off the computer.” {pause for effect} This is the same kid who said, “Blogging is a nerdy woman thing to do.” He’s not related to me, I swear. He didn’t spring from my belly, grow up in my house, and throw countless [Read On]

A recipe for a cookie with apricots and nuts, covered with almond icing. Source: Giada de Laurentiis and Food Network… always an amazing source. Yield: about 2 dozen cookies It’s been a while since I made a fruity cookie, and this one, frankly, hit the spot. Although, I have to admit, these did not turn [Read On]